It has been my great privilege to work with Senator Jan McLucas and Bernie Ripoll MP as part of Labor’s health team.
Senator McLucas has made an outstanding contribution to the nation through her work in the portfolios of Ageing, Disabilities and Carers, in Health, and as Minister for Human Services.
As a passionate advocate for Australians with a disability, she played a crucial role in the establishment of Labor’s successful National Disability Insurance Scheme.
In opposition Jan has been magnificent advocate for mental health and has led Labor’s prosecution of the government’s failures in health policy in the Senate.
I am extremely grateful for her experience and dedication and pay tribute to her ongoing contribution to the Labor Party and the Parliament over the past 18 years.
Bernie Ripoll has devoted 17 years to serving the people of Oxley and it has been my privilege to work with him in the health portfolio through his position as shadow minister for Sport.
Bernie has been working closely with sporting organisations, stakeholders and communities to ensure that the vital role that sport plays in boosting the physical and mental health of Australians and as a conduit for bringing our communities together continues.
Both Bernie and Jan have made outstanding contributions to our party, to their state and to the nation and I thank both of them, and their families for their wonderful dedication.